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A Game Night Survival Guide

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Manage episode 523558188 series 3593276
Content provided by The New York Times. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The New York Times or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.

James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick games that match your group’s vibe, and which games work best for kids, adults, mixed-age families, multilingual gatherings, or friends who are already a few drinks in.

If you crosswords and other NYT games, check out Puzzle Mania! from The New York Times Games editor Joel Fagliano.

James’s favorite resources to learn new games:

Games for kids

Games for mixed-age groups or families

Party Games for adults (including boozy groups)

Strategy games

  • Catan - the original “Euro” style game
  • Bohnanza - if you like the interactive trading of Catan
  • Brass: Birmingham - if you want a complex strategy game with a lot going on

Games you can play with just a deck of cards

  • Oh Hell! - James’ family-favorite, trick-taking game

Two-player favorites

  • Splendor - can be played with more than two as well
  • Star Realms - build decks of cards that become more powerful as you play

Games for solo play

James loves:

Additional reading:

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  continue reading

92 episodes

Artwork

A Game Night Survival Guide

The Wirecutter Show

196 subscribers

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Manage episode 523558188 series 3593276
Content provided by The New York Times. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by The New York Times or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.

James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick games that match your group’s vibe, and which games work best for kids, adults, mixed-age families, multilingual gatherings, or friends who are already a few drinks in.

If you crosswords and other NYT games, check out Puzzle Mania! from The New York Times Games editor Joel Fagliano.

James’s favorite resources to learn new games:

Games for kids

Games for mixed-age groups or families

Party Games for adults (including boozy groups)

Strategy games

  • Catan - the original “Euro” style game
  • Bohnanza - if you like the interactive trading of Catan
  • Brass: Birmingham - if you want a complex strategy game with a lot going on

Games you can play with just a deck of cards

  • Oh Hell! - James’ family-favorite, trick-taking game

Two-player favorites

  • Splendor - can be played with more than two as well
  • Star Realms - build decks of cards that become more powerful as you play

Games for solo play

James loves:

Additional reading:

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  continue reading

92 episodes

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